Every year, I ask readers to help me select silent movies to review for a Reader Requests month and every year, you come up with great suggestions. Well, it’s that time again!
My Reader Requests month is in January but I like to put out this call for requests early so that I can have a chance to track down anything really obscure, perform research and generally give everyone a big bang for their buck.
Just so you know, I tend to take it slow when it comes to reviewing super famous fare because I like to have something new to say about a film and because there is an extremely limited supply. For every Sunrise, there are dozens of silent films nobody has ever heard of except the people who released them on DVD. That’s not to say that you can’t request famous stuff, I am just letting you know why I have not covered some big titles yet.
Here’s my alphabetical index of reviews, if you are wondering what I have covered already. Other than that, all you have to do is tell me which silent film or films you would like to see me review. Thanks in advance!
Movies Silently 
What about Häxan?
Clara Bow’s film ‘Children of Divorce,’ and two starring Richard Barthelmess, ‘Just Suppose’ and ‘The Seventh Day.’ Oh, and how about some of John Ford’s silents, such as ‘Lightnin’?
Colleen Moore in Her Wild Oat is wonderful should you get the opportunity (I’m not certain how available it is, I was able to see a screening a few years back.)
Would love to see you review “The Rag Man”
Nazimova’s “Red Lantern”. There is a Region 0 / PAL dvd of it and amazon has it for sale. Kind of pricey but for good reason. The packaging is actually a thick book. Really well rounded release and the movie is awesome (IMO).
No excuses now that “Shooting Stars” has a US BD release 🙂 I note that you have briefly mentioned it.
And, as I usually do at this time of your blog cycle, may I again recommend Raymond Longford’s “The Sentimental Bloke.”? But perhaps the slightly indirect availability is problematic? This DVD is All Region:
http://shop.nfsa.gov.au/sentimental-bloke-the
Thinking outside the box, how about THE THIEF (1952) with Ray Milland, which was filmed completely without dialogue or subtitles?
Harry Langdon’s “Three’s a Crowd,” a strange and fascinating comedy-drama.
“Johanna Enlists” (1918), another Mary Pickford contribution to the WWI effort. Not a great movie but interesting.
Could pair it with the same year’s short subject, “100 Percent American,” a “buy Liberty Bonds” message with Pickford.
I would love to see you review The Headless Horseman (1922)
I’m also for Haxan. It might be interesting to compare it with the Burroughs-narrated version (the only one many of us were able to see until the Criterion Collection, which has both).
Other possibilities: La Roue, The Cameraman &/or Spite Marriage, Evangeline.
Whirlpool of Fate (1925), an early film directed by Jean Renoir.
I just rewatched Tillie’s Punctured Romance, and I’d love to read your take on it! I’d also be very happy to see you review some more William Haines films, and if you are open to tracking down some rare movies, the film Stark Love.
I’d love to see a series on French or Italian comedians of the 1900s and 1910s, or a dive into silent latin American cinema
I’d suggest The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) directed by Rex Ingram and starring Rudolph Valentino. I saw a screening of this in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin last March and it was absolutely stellar
I’d like to hear your thoughts on Genuine. Also His Majesty, The Scarecrow of Oz.
I’d like to see a review of Blancanieves please? Ta!
Hi, I’d like to see a review of ‘How Percy won the beauty competition’ (1909) if possible please. It’s available on the BFI Player and YouTube, thanks.
Prix de Beauté, probably my favorite Louise Brooks.
How about Chinese silents?
Just saw again “The Goddess”. Ruan Lingyu was phenomenal, but I haven’t seen any other Chinese silents.
With Oxfordsplice interested in your views on Haxan. And personally I would love to know what your thoughts are on the Phantom Carriage (personally I really enjoyed it).
The Round-Up (1920) with Fatty Arbuckle in a rare straight role. He was amazing.
I know it’s cliche but I’d love to read about Sherlock Jr., especially about the editing. Maybe once the Keaton moratorium expires.
I recommend Tom Brown‘s school days (1916) and The warrior strain (1919), both directed rather towards a younger audience, but quite interesting anyway, also Tom Brown‘s school days has some unusual use of title art at some points. They‘re both on YouTube but unfortunately without a score.
Hey Fritzi- is it too late to put in a request? I’d love it if you’d review Deliverance (1919). It’s on the Library of Congress’ YouTube channel. Thanks!